Mladenovic’s quick hands at the net made the difference while Bencic’s inexperience in doubles showed.

“We took a lot of pleasure,” Mladenovic told Sport Plus television. “It’s extremely difficult to play in such conditions, but our doubles team showed a lot of quality. We complemented each other very well. We had a great time on the court.”

Cornet and Mladenovic celebrated their victory with a chest bump while a disappointed Bencic shed tears on her chair.

In a first set with five service breaks, the Swiss pair took a 4-1 lead. But Bencic then failed to serve out the set at 5-3 before Bacsinszky sent a forehand wide to drop serve at 5-5. Cornet hit a backhand winner to help France go a set up.

The hosts broke Bencic in the fifth game of the second set but Mladenovic committed three double-faults to drop serve in the next game. Mladenovic made amends by earning the decisive break at 3-3 with a forehand volley and the French pair won the match when Bacsinszky’s backhand sailed long.

On April 19-20, France and Switzerland will compete in playoffs. France will try to gain promotion to the World Group while Switzerland will aim to stay in World Group II.